Before-and-after or only-after treatment photographs relating to aesthetic procedures cannot be displayed on public websites or social media platforms under Singapore’s healthcare advertising regulations. However, clinical photographs may be shown to patients during a private, one-on-one consultation at the clinic premises, so that the surgeon can provide the necessary clinical context and explain possible outcomes specific to your anatomy.

Suitability is determined through a clinical assessment by an accredited specialist plastic surgeon in Singapore. The evaluation considers general health, skin elasticity, the degree of skin laxity, jowling, or facial folds present, current medications, and aesthetic goals. Candidates generally include individuals in good general health, non-smokers or those willing to cease smoking well before surgery, and those with realistic expectations regarding outcomes and the natural continuation of ageing. A private consultation with Dr Marco Faria Correa is required before any surgical recommendation is made.

A mini facelift uses smaller incisions and is indicated for mild to moderate skin laxity and early jowling, primarily in the lower face. It typically involves less tissue repositioning and a shorter recovery period. A full rhytidectomy addresses moderate to significant laxity across the lower face and neck, involving more extensive repositioning of the SMAS layer and deeper tissues. The appropriate option for your anatomy is determined during consultation.

In a standard rhytidectomy, incisions are placed within the hairline, in the natural crease in front of the ear (preauricular), and behind the ear (postauricular) to reduce visibility. For endoscopic techniques, incisions are smaller. While scarring is an inherent aspect of any surgical procedure, post-operative care instructions are provided to support healing. Scars typically mature over a period of 12 to 24 months, with minor improvement continuing in some individuals beyond this period.

The longevity of results depends on factors including skin quality, age at the time of surgery, sun protection, and lifestyle factors such as smoking and weight fluctuation. Peer-reviewed clinical data indicate that a well-performed full SMAS facelift is associated with results that remain evident for an average of approximately 12 years. A mini facelift, which involves less extensive tissue repositioning, typically produces results that remain evident for approximately 5 to 7 years. The ageing process continues after surgery, and patients with significant sun damage or reduced skin elasticity may see earlier changes.

Recovery timelines are subject to individual healing and should not be interpreted as a guaranteed fixed period. Most patients return to light daily activities within 7 to 14 days. Many return to non-strenuous work within 10 to 14 days for less extensive procedures, or within 2 to 3 weeks for a full SMAS rhytidectomy or combined procedure, depending on individual healing and whether the role is public-facing. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are typically avoided for 4 to 6 weeks.

A rhytidectomy may be combined with a neck lift, upper brow lift in Singapore, eyelid surgery, fat grafting, and, in some cases, rhinoplasty or chin augmentation. Combining procedures means a single recovery period rather than several separate ones, which reduces total cumulative downtime. Recovery from combined procedures may be more involved than from a single procedure. Whether a combined approach is appropriate is confirmed during a clinical assessment.

A facelift is performed under general anaesthesia or intravenous sedation in an accredited surgical facility, prioritising patient safety and comfort throughout the procedure. The anaesthetic plan is determined by the attending anaesthetist following a pre-operative medical assessment, and anaesthesia is administered and monitored by a qualified anaesthesia team.

Non-surgical options such as thread lifts, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), radiofrequency skin tightening, and dermal fillers may be considered for mild laxity or where surgery is not clinically indicated or preferred. These options generally produce more modest, shorter-duration changes than a surgical rhytidectomy and are discussed during consultation as part of an informed decision-making process.

There is no single best age for facelift surgery. The procedure is clinically indicated when measurable anatomical changes, such as significant skin laxity, jowling, or deep facial folds, are present and are unlikely to be adequately addressed by non-surgical means. Many patients who undergo facelift surgery are in their 50s and 60s, though the procedure may be clinically appropriate from the mid-40s onward and into the 70s, depending on individual anatomy and health status.

Key considerations include specialist registration with the Singapore Medical Council, hospital operating privileges at an accredited facility, specific training and experience in facial plastic surgery, transparency regarding fees and risks, and a structured post-operative care protocol. Dr Marco Faria Correa holds full specialist registration with the SMC and is accredited to operate at multiple hospital facilities in Singapore.

A facelift consultation in Singapore performed for aesthetic indications is a cosmetic procedure, and Medisave and most medical insurance policies do not apply. Cost depends on the technique selected, the complexity of the procedure, anaesthesia requirements, and facility charges. An itemised written cost breakdown is provided following a clinical assessment, in accordance with the SMC Ethical Code and Ethical Guidelines. Please contact the clinic at +65 6464 8075 for current fee information.